Sunday, 8 August 2010

The United States has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan’s call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started on July 29. Our response has been consistent with our humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan. Support to Pakistan includes financial assistance and the immediate provision of urgently needed supplies and services drawing on unique U.S. capabilities.

Latest Developments:

Six U.S. Army helicopters have begun humanitarian assistance operations. The four CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are operating in partnership with the Pakistan Government throughout the flood-impacted areas to deliver much-needed relief supplies and provide transport to people who urgently need emergency assistance. Today, they evacuated more than 800 people from Kalam to Khwazakhela and transported 66,000 pounds of relief supplies.

The United States is making commitments of $25 million in assistance to flood-affected populations, bringing the total to date to more than $35 million. These commitments consist of $10 million from US Agency for International Development (USAID) to address emergency needs identified by the Government of Pakistan, and $15 million from USAID for the U.N. World Food Program for emergency food aid, including the local and regional procurement of food.

U.S. Contributions To Date:

U.S. helicopters assigned to the Pakistani Ministry of Interior’s 50th Squadron are continuing their operations and have rescued 983 people and airlifted 30,973 pounds of supplies.

More than 436,000 halal meals from U.S. stocks in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the region have been delivered to civilian and military officials in Pakistan, a contribution of $3.25 million dollars.

Twelve pre-fabricated steel bridges have been made available as temporary replacements for highway bridges damaged by flooding in Peshawar and Kurram Agency.

Four Zodiac inflatable rescue boats with power motors and two water filtration units—which provide pumping, purification, and distribution of potable water for up to 10,000 persons daily—are being provided for use in the affected area.

A second consignment containing four additional water treatment units, 14 Zodiac boats with motors, 10 water storage bladders with distribution systems for drinking water and 30 concrete-cutting saws has been shipped to Peshawar for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

A 25kw generator was provided to the Frontier Scouts-KPk to support their flood relief efforts.

The U.S. and its international and national partners are continuing ongoing humanitarian programs in the flood-affected areas and are working to identify assistance gaps to be addressed through an expansion of existing programs as well as new grants.

Private Sector Response:

The Coca-Cola Corporation for Pakistan and Afghanistan announced on August 5 a $500,000 donation.

Working with mGive, Americans are contributing to Pakistan flood relief by texting the word “SWAT” to 50555. The text will result in a donation of $10 to the UNHCR Pakistan Flood Relief Effort. Every $10 helps provide tents and emergency aid to displaced families.

The Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan cellular phone industry are inviting Pakistanis to contribute to the Prime Minister’s Fund for Flood Relief beginning August 5 by texting the amount of their donation to 1234.